proliferating cell nuclear antigen


proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA),

[MIM*176740] a nuclear nonhistone protein with a molecular weight of 36-kD that plays a role in the initiation of cell proliferation by augmenting DNA polymerase; stains for proliferating cell nuclear antigen in tumors correlated with grade and mitotic activity.

PCNA

A gene on chromosome 20pter-p12 that encodes a homotrimeric nuclear protein that is a cofactor of DNA polymerase delta. PCNA is ubiquinated in response to DNA damage and is involved in RAD6-dependent DNA repair.

pro·lif·er·at·ing cell nu·cle·ar an·ti·gen

(prō-lif'ĕr-āt'ing sel nū'klē-ĕr an'ti-jen) A nuclear nonhistone protein with a molecular weight of 36 kD that plays a role in the initiation of cell proliferation by augmenting DNA polymerase; stains for proliferating cell nuclear antigen in tumors correlate with grade and mitotic activity.

proliferating cell nuclear antigen

Abbreviation: PCNA
A protein complex released by cells actively synthesizing DNA. In the blood, PCNAs can be used as markers of disease activity in autoimmune and inflammatory illnesses, malignancies, and other conditions marked by rapid cell replication. See also: antigen